The consequences of truth are sometimes
bitter. Many a man has lost his job, or home, or friends, or life because of
his stand for truth. Many a preacher has been ousted from the pulpit, having
neither house nor salary, because he preached the truth. Many a person has
had his name slandered and maligned because of truth. With all such people,
love for truth is greater than love for comfort, security, or even life
itself.
Unfortunate indeed is the man who looks
ahead to evaluate the consequences of a position before evaluating the
position itself. Such a man will rarely come to a knowledge of truth. His
thoughts concerning "What will my wife think?" or "Where will I preach?" or
"Won't I be condemning my good mother to hell?" or "How will I explain my
change to good ole Brother Jones?" or "How will I support my family?" or
"Everybody will think I'm crazy," may well blind his mind to whatever
evidence is at hand. The man who really demonstrates a love for truth is the
man who studies every subject objectively and then lets the
consequences‑whether they be good or bad‑take care of themselves.
Unfortunate too is the man who complains
and grieves over the consequences of truth, for truth must bring joy to the
heart, whatever may be its consequences. Self‑pity may lead one to "sell the
truth" and to profane this precious commodity. If pity is to be felt, it
must be felt for that person who has never suffered the consequences of
truth, for such a man has obviously loved the praises of men more than the
praises of God.
No men ever felt the consequences of truth
to a greater degree than did the apostles, but they faced all such
consequences "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for
His name"
(Acts 5:41).
Worthy! There's the key! The man who
lets a fear of consequences dictate his position on every question never
suffers, for he is not worthy to suffer. Pity him! But the person who stands
for truth regardless of the consequences shall suffer, for he is worthy to
suffer. Rejoice with him!
What a difference between the man who is
"heaven" oriented and that one who is "this world" oriented!